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Complex formation and functional versatility of Mre11 of budding yeast in recombination

T Usui1, T Ohta, H Oshiumi

  • 1National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan.

Cell
|December 9, 1998
PubMed

Insights

The Mre11 protein complex in S. cerevisiae plays a dual role in double-strand break (DSB) repair during meiosis. Its N-terminal region handles DSB processing, while the C-terminal region is crucial for DSB formation.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Meiotic recombination involves double-strand break (DSB) formation and processing.
  • The Mre11-Rad50-Xrs2 complex is essential for DSB processing and also participates in DSB formation.
  • Mre11's specific roles in these coupled processes require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To delineate the distinct functional regions of Mre11 in S. cerevisiae during meiotic recombination.
  • To understand the specific contributions of Mre11's N-terminal and C-terminal regions to DSB formation and processing.
  • To investigate the differential requirements of Mre11's nuclease activities in DSB repair.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of Mre11 functional domains through genetic manipulation.
  • Biochemical assays to assess DNA-binding and nuclease activities.
  • Investigation of Mre11 interactions with Rad50 and other meiotic proteins.
  • Assessment of Mre11's role in repairing methyl methanesulfonate-induced DSBs.

Main Results:

  • The C-terminal region of Mre11 is specifically required for DSB formation and interacts with meiotic proteins.
  • The N-terminal half of Mre11 contains nuclease activities essential for DSB processing.
  • Mre11 possesses distinct DNA-binding sites for DSB formation and processing.
  • Mre11 interacts with Rad50 through two separate regions.
  • Mre11-mediated repair of methyl methanesulfonate-induced DSBs involves both nuclease-dependent and -independent pathways.

Conclusions:

  • Mre11 functions as a modular protein with distinct domains responsible for different stages of DSB management in meiosis.
  • The spatial and temporal separation of DSB formation and processing is reflected in Mre11's domain organization.
  • Understanding Mre11's dual roles provides insight into the intricate mechanisms of meiotic recombination and DNA repair.

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